POISON IVY!!! I think. HELP?

Question

My 9 year old has poison ivy, I think, a little on her legs, back, arms & neck, i was told that it could be poison ivy, I have never personally had it or seen it before, but its pink in color & raised.

So far i'v just used calamine lotion, but its just for "itch relief"

What could make it go away?

Answer 1

Wash the areas with a urushiol removing product (Urushiol is the oil in poisin ivy that causes the infection).  Then for relief you can use the calamine lotion or hydrocortizone cream.  I wouldn't put any more calamine on it until you clean it with the urushiol removing product.  There is a urushiol removing product called Zanfel, but it's kind of pricey.  You might just go to the drug store and ask them for alternative products.

In the future, if your kid thinks they got into poison ivy, then you have about 30 minutes to wash the affected area (with regular soap and water) before the urushiol binds with the skin.

Answer 2

I am the 'queen of Poison Ivy'. Anything you want to know, I can tell you...

1st, it is a myth that the oozing will spread the PI. PI is spread by direct contact with Urushiol oil which is the toxic that is found in PI plants. It can stay 'active' for up to 1 year or so, on clothing, shoes, etc... You can not get PI on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands either. You can also get PI any time of the year. Just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean anything. The vine, although dormant, still contains the oil, and at much higher levels than the leaves.

If you think you've gotten into a patch, wash with COLD water and soap. Never use warm or hot water, this will cause your pores to open, and allow more of the Urushiol into your skin. Also, as bad as it is, try not to cover the blisters. This will just keep the skin damp, and not allow the fluids to drain, and hence dry out.

Once you get PI, there is no way to stop it. It has to run its course - usually 2-4 weeks. It is unpleasant, but there is not much you can do about it. Try using an OTC antihistamine to stop the itch.

If it is very bad, go to your Dr. They will give you a prescription for pred, and possibly a topical cream or tape to cover the area.

When I get PI, I've become very allergic to it, so I'm usually on pred for 1 month or more, and have the oozing blisters for 6-8 weeks.

Once you get PI, your reactions become stronger and stronger to it. Unlike most things, you don't build up an immunity to it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Prescription from a doctor for prednisolone (if it is really bad).